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Enzo Maresca has vowed not to be a “copy and paste” coach in his first press conference since replacing Pep Guardiola as Man City manager.
Following Guardiola will be an almost impossible task for the Italian, whose record-breaking spell at the Etihad included six Premier League titles – including an unprecedented four – and a maiden Champions League medal.
But Maresca insisted he did not join City just to emulate the Spaniard’s success, vowing to do “my job, the way I want”, despite admitting similarities between his preferred playing style and that of his predecessor.
The 46-year-old is returning for his third spell at the club, where he held the role of academy coach before graduating to Guardiola’s assistant in 2022-23 – the season City won the treble.
Responding to the pressure to follow Guardiola, he said: “Every manager has a different day-to-day and approach to games.
“We are looking at how we have to change some ideas. I don’t think they just copy and paste. I don’t see football like the previous manager, so I don’t believe in copy and paste.
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“I think the former clubs I joined have a clear identity. Maybe that’s why the club decided for me, they see the same idea with the previous manager.
“I’ve talked to him a lot since he decided to leave Pep Club. He has to enjoy his moment and I have to do my job and find a solution for myself. After 10 years, playing every three days, it’s very demanding. He deserves a rest!”
Guardiola was asked at his final press conference as City boss in May whether he had a parting message for his successor, whoever he might be. “Just be yourself,” he replied, the advice of the new man in charge highly valued.
Maresca wants to make his own mark, even independent of the impact he made in his previous spell, but understands the pressure and demand to deliver trophies at City is no less relentless.
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“With a club like this, you have to win the title. But if you only focus on the final goal, you miss all the previous parts. I’m a manager who loves day to day. Preparation sessions and spending time with my players.
“Ultimately, for sure, the goal is to win titles with this club. The previous two clubs (Leicester and Chelsea), we won and won titles. I’m not thinking about May or June, I’m thinking about now and tomorrow. We’ll see day by day.”
Asked if he had decided who would replace Bernardo Silva as captain, he added: “Not yet. We have three players, Ruben (Dias), Rodri and Erling (Haaland). We need more. We will decide on that.”
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Analysis from Ben Ransom on Maresca’s first press conference:
A lot was different but then again, a lot was the same.
Enzo Maresca seamlessly sat in the chair left vacant by Pep Guardiola and spoke of his admiration for his former boss.
He rejected my claim that it was the hardest job in the world to follow the best manager, instead focusing on the benefits of having the opportunity.
He believed he could succeed when David Moyes (post-Ferguson) and Unai Emery (post-Wenger) failed, having confidence in Man City’s larger organization to overcome the inevitable challenges.
It’s already been a summer of huge changes, but Maresca was quick to impress upon the gathering press pack her desire for some things to stay the same.
Rodri said he will decide his future once the World Cup is over but his new manager expects him to return to City Blue once he recovers from minor back surgery. The squad still has work to do before the end of the transfer window.
But you could tell from the smile and confidence of Maresca’s first address that he fully believes in the next phase of the City project. It is now up to him to show the world that he can back up his words.
Rodri has to undergo surgery
Rodri will undergo surgery on his back injury next week
Rodri will undergo back surgery next week, Maresca also confirmed on Friday.
The midfielder, who suffered ACL damage in 2024 and endured an injury-disrupted campaign before winning the World Cup with Spain this summer, has not been given a return date.
Maresca, however, confirmed he wanted the former Ballon d’Or winner to stay at Man City amid speculation over his future and a relationship with Real Madrid.
“There’s always speculation around a big player so I’m not worried about that. I think it’s normal because he’s won the World Cup.
“He was one of the best players and I think every manager wants to keep Rodri because he is a top player. But now (he) has surgery, I think on Monday, and he needs rest. He needs to rest, he needs to recover and then he will be back here with us.”
